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Paul Forkan, Rob Forkan

Tsunami Kids

Our Journey from Survival to Success

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Details

Imprint: O'Mara Books

Publication date: 01/10/2015

ISBN: 9781782434429

Subject: Non-Fiction

Binding: Paperback

Size: Other

Extent: 272 pages

Illustration: 16pp plates

Territorial Rights: World (All Languages)

Edition Status: Out of Print

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Summary:

On Boxing day 2004, Rob, Paul, Mattie and Rosie Forkan tragically lost their parents in the Boxing Day Tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka. Aged from 8 to 17, they subsequently faced a harrowing and solitary 200km trek across the decimated country to get home to safety.

The bravery, ingenuity and resilience they displayed was the result of their unusual upbringing. Taken out of school at a young age, they received an unconventional and global education, learning independence and resourcefulness while carrying out voluntary work for charities in India alongside their parents.

In the decade since the tsunami, Rob and Paul have created a multinational brand, Gandys Flip Flops, which was based in the front room of their rented flat and has been endorsed by entrepreneurs including Richard Branson, and set up Orphans for Orphans, a charitable organization that supports children deprived of education, nutrition and medication.

This is a heartbreaking, engaging but ultimately uplifting journey from the streets of Sri Lanka to the boardrooms of London, Downing Street and beyond as told by two inspirational survivors.

Reviews:

An extraordinary story that'll restore your faith in humanity

Daily Mail

An incredible true story

Daily Express

Remarkable and inspiring... published to mark 10 years since the tsunami

The Bookseller

Honest, humorous and insightful

Evening Standard

The next big thong

Independent on Sunday

Spurred by tragedy to build flip-flop empire that gives something back

Financial Times

A memoir full of sorrow, but also incredible purpose and achievement

Huffington Post

How brothers turned tragedy into triumph

The Sun

Compelling

new! magazine

Both heartbreaking and highly inspirational

Image magazine

Incredible

Now magazine

Inspirational

Forbes

harrowing

National Geographic Traveller

Dramatic and poignant, yet lifting and inspirational, this remarkable book is a testament to the resilience, courage and bravery of an incredible family. Highly recommended!

Hot Brands Cool Places

A moving tale of a young family who refused to let a tragedy destroy either their inherited entrepreneurial spirit or their optimism for the future

Lancashire Evening Post

A tear-jerking, uplifting and thrilling read

The Bookbag

A new book charting the remarkable upbringing that brought them to Sri Lanka on that fateful day, and the inspirational decisions they have taken in the intervening 10 years to somehow weave a story of hope and renewal from the loss they suffered

Mayo Advertiser

Sales points:

  • An inspirational story told by two brothers who survived the most devastating natural disaster ever recorded

  • Testament to how a fearless approach to life, learned through adversity, helped Rob and Paul to create an extraordinary business, Gandys Flip Flops

  • The brothers' award-winning flip-flop company has been endorsed by Richard Branson and David Cameron, as well as numerous celebrities

  • Updated with all the latest news on the children's home being established by their charity, Orphans for Orphans

  • Includes 8 pages of colour photographs

About the Author:

Paul Forkan

Rob and Paul Forkan are the co-founders of Gandys Flip Flops and Orphans for Orphans. They have written their story with the co-operation of younger siblings Mattie and Rosie, who also shared their unimaginable journey. The siblings had a unique upbringing, travelling the world with their parents and learning from the University of Life. During their childhood they worked on humanitarian projects in several countries, including India and Sri Lanka. This instilled in the children a sense of compassion and a desire to help people less fortunate than themselves. After the devastation of the Boxing Day tsunami and the tragic deaths of their parents, the boys returned to the UK without a clear plan of what to do with their lives. Their unusual upbringing had taught them many values, which they soon put to use in developing a business idea that could really make a difference and help people. After a ‘Eureka’ moment the boys decided to start a flip-flop company, using the profits to open orphanages around the world. With less than £10,000 in capital, the boys invited several potential investors to compete for the chance to invest in their idea. This gamble worked, and they obtained the funds they needed to start the company Gandys Flip Flops. The company has gone from strength to strength, selling flip-flops all over the world, with 10% of the profits going towards their charity, Orphans for Orphans.

About the Author:

Rob Forkan

Rob and Paul Forkan are the co-founders of Gandys Flip Flops and Orphans for Orphans. They have written their story with the co-operation of younger siblings Mattie and Rosie, who also shared their unimaginable journey. The siblings had a unique upbringing, travelling the world with their parents and learning from the University of Life. During their childhood they worked on humanitarian projects in several countries, including India and Sri Lanka. This instilled in the children a sense of compassion and a desire to help people less fortunate than themselves. After the devastation of the Boxing Day tsunami and the tragic deaths of their parents, the boys returned to the UK without a clear plan of what to do with their lives. Their unusual upbringing had taught them many values, which they soon put to use in developing a business idea that could really make a difference and help people. After a ‘Eureka’ moment the boys decided to start a flip-flop company, using the profits to open orphanages around the world. With less than £10,000 in capital, the boys invited several potential investors to compete for the chance to invest in their idea. This gamble worked, and they obtained the funds they needed to start the company Gandys Flip Flops. The company has gone from strength to strength, selling flip-flops all over the world, with 10% of the profits going towards their charity, Orphans for Orphans.